I have been building out my essential kitchen tools slowly over the years. I’ve gone through cheap starter kits, Ikea plate and bowl sets, and hand-me-down non-stick pans. Through a lot of trial and error, I have gathered my list of kitchen tool recommendations to have in your kitchen for years to come.
This is a collection kitchen tool recommendations to have in your kitchen. If I were to start over, I would buy these tools up front instead of going through frustration! Part one includes some the absolute basics you need in your kitchen. While some of these pieces can be pricey, by investing in these pieces earlier in life, it will save you the trouble of having to replace them for better quality pieces later!
Cookware
Cooking pans
I researched non-stick pans, ceramic coated pans, cast iron pans, and stainless steel pans. I decided to invest in a stainless steel set of pans. While it has a little more maintenance, I like that these pans do not have additional chemical coating on them. Most importantly, these pans makes me feel like a professional chef! I watch a lot of cooking shows and you always see chefs cooking with stainless steel pans. I knew there would be trial and error learning how to use them, but to elevate my craft I wanted to use them.
I own this set of Tramontina pans. I like the variety of sizes this set has. It has sauce pans, saute pans, fry pans, and stock pots. Price wise, it’s excellent quality and in the middle price range of stainless steel pot brands.
Baking sheets
For baking sheets, I used a set of Wilton sheets that held stains and warped in the oven. I was gifted this set of baking sheets and immediately tossed my Wilton sheets! They feel great and don’t warp in the oven. It’s on my list to buy the half sheet size of these pans.
Cooking utensils
My first set of cooking utensils was a starter set of plastic cooking utensils. Half of them broke at the handle, the other half basically melted over high heat in the first two years.
Since then, I have collected and used almost exclusively bamboo cooking tools. They can be used on metal pans and non-stick pans. They withstand heat better than plastic and usually the materials don’t have weird chemicals in them. My cooking spoons and even ladles are all bamboo. They’re made of a sustainable material and feel great in your hand.
Food prep
Knives
I dislike knife sets, especially the ones stored in knife blocks. You don’t need that many knives! After researching knife brands and reading reviews, I purchased knives made from Japan and Germany because they’re known for quality. I strongly believe an average home cook only needs need at max 5 quality knives in your arsenal. I’m listing all of the knives I own below.
I own a chefs knife because of its multi uses for cutting meats and vegetables. I also use a smaller pairing knife used for cutting fruit and smaller foods.
You will be okay with just a chefs knife and pairing knife, but I also own a santoku knife because I chop so many vegetables and I love the blade shape. I recently added a bread knife because of its use for cutting through my sourdough bread loafs, but you can go without it.
Since I don’t have a knife block to store my knives in, I purchased these plastic sleeves to put over my knives. It keeps my counter tidy and makes it easy to store them in my drawers.
Cutting boards
I love wood cutting boards. They feel nice and look good on your countertops. I have smaller boards for cutting fruit and larger sturdier boards for long veggie cutting sessions. I recommend starting with 2 different sized wood boards.
I think a plastic cutting board is good to have for cutting raw meats. It’s safe to go in the dishwasher and keeps it off wood boards.
Measuring cups and spoons
I like my set of angled measuring cups because it helps read the measurements easier! Used with my stainless steel measuring spoons, I’m setup to cook or bake.
Colander
I recommend this colander because it has multiple functions. I will place this in the sink to help strain pasta and canned contents, but it’s also a sifter for baking! I use this to sift flour, powdered sugar, and more. I also like that I can carry this with one hand.
Can opener
Life is too short to have a low quality can opener. My first can opener was made of soft metal and turned my thumb bright red trying to open a can. After it finally broke, I decided I would no longer suffer while opening a can of tuna.
For my last kitchen tool recommendation, a great can opener will make your life easier. It doesn’t have to be a fancy electric can opener either, I use this simple can opener that comes with a button to easily life the lids off cans.
Build your kitchen basics
I hope these kitchen tool recommendations in part one help you build your kitchen, whether you’re in a new home or looking to upgrade! In the future, I can see another post sharing recommended kitchen dishes, appliances, and more. What items are you looking to see in part 2?
